Experienced flanker Justin Tipuric has been named Wales captain for the Autumn Nations Series, as he takes over from the injured Dan Biggar.
Tipuric, 33, has won 86 caps for his country since making his debut and has led his country in the past when they faced Uruguay in the 2019 World Cup.
The all-action back-row missed last season due to a shoulder injury he picked up in a British and Irish Lions warm-up match against Japan back in 2021.
Honoured to skipper Wales
Understandably the news is therefore a boost on a personal level for Tipuric as he feels “honoured” to lead as Wales build towards the 2023 World Cup.
“I am honoured,” he said. “I didn’t quite expect it, to be honest.
“To have the responsibility of leading the boys on the field is definitely a highlight of my career.
“When you are out of the game for a while, it shows how much you miss it.”
The fillip for Tipuric is however offset by the news that Ospreys and Wales team-mate Dewi Lake is ruled out of the Autumn Nations Series due to injury.
The hooker suffered a shoulder issue in his side’s United Rugby Championship clash with the Dragons over the weekend in the latest injury blow for Wales.
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Lake has been replaced in head coach Wayne Pivac’s 35-man squad by former Ulster hooker Bradley Roberts who currently plies his trade at the Dragons.
Injuries are mounting up
Pivac is already without Biggar, Liam Williams, Wyn Jones, Leon Brown, Seb Davies, Johnny Williams, Josh Navidi and Taine Basham due to injuries.
There is also concern over George North (knee), Leigh Halfpenny (hamstring), Gareth Anscombe (ribs), Alex Cuthbert (shoulder) and Josh Adams (hand),
Wales begin their end-of-year campaign against New Zealand on November 5 before they face Argentina, Georgia and Australia during their autumn games.